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Patent 2364466 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2364466
(54) English Title: TRUSS SPACER AND BRACE
(54) French Title: ENTRETOISE POUR FERMES ET CONTREVENT
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • E04C 5/16 (2006.01)
  • E04B 7/02 (2006.01)
  • E04C 3/02 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • CRAWFORD, MARK G. (United States of America)
  • SHAMROUKH, LOUAY A. (United States of America)
  • LIN, JIN-JIE (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC. (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: RICHES, MCKENZIE & HERBERT LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2009-10-20
(22) Filed Date: 2001-11-30
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2002-06-03
Examination requested: 2006-06-02
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
09/729,507 United States of America 2000-12-03

Abstracts

English Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24". This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.


French Abstract

La présente invention fournit un appareil pour espacer les éléments structuraux, en particulier les fermes de toit, lors de la construction et pour supporter de manière permanente les mêmes éléments structuraux. L'appareil comporte trois éléments longitudinaux avec un onglet de fixation supérieur à chaque bout attaché sur le côté supérieur de chaque élément structural et une paire de brides à chaque bout qui est fixé aux côtés vis-à-vis de chaque élément structural. En particulier, l'appareil inclut les parties qui renforcent les bouts des bouts du deuxième et du troisième éléments longitudinaux. L'appareil est préférablement fabriqué dans une longueur qui est standard pour l'espacement des fermes de toit, le plus communément de 24 po nominal. Cela permet à l'appareil d'être fixé sur une ferme de toit, puis sur une autre, et laissé en place pour former un support permanent sur lequel un voligeage peut être installé.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.




WE CLAIM:


1. An apparatus comprising:

a. a first longitudinal member having a first end, a second end, a
first side and a second side;

b. a first top attachment tab joined to said first end and a second
top attachment tab joined to said second end;

c. a first longitudinal juncture along said first side of said
first longitudinal member;

d. a second longitudinal member, having a first end, a second
end, a first side and a second side, joined to said first
longitudinal member at said first longitudinal juncture;

e. a second longitudinal juncture along said second side of said
first longitudinal member;

f. a third longitudinal member, having a first end, a second end, a
first side and a second side, joined to said first longitudinal
member at said second longitudinal juncture;

g. a first end juncture along said first end of said second
longitudinal member;

h. a first flange joined to said second longitudinal member at
said first end juncture;

i. a second end juncture along said second end of said
second longitudinal member;

j. a second flange joined to said second longitudinal member at
said second end juncture;

k. a third end juncture along said first end of said third

22


longitudinal member;

l. a third flange joined to said third longitudinal member at said
third end juncture;

m. a fourth end juncture along said second end of said third
longitudinal member;

n. a fourth flange joined to said third longitudinal
member at said fourth end juncture;

o. a first portion, distinct from said first flange, turned
out of said second longitudinal member at said first
end of said second longitudinal member and
reinforcing said first end of said second longitudinal
member;

p. a second portion, distinct from said second flange, turned out
of said second longitudinal member at said second end of said
second longitudinal member and reinforcing said second end of
said second longitudinal member;

q. a third portion, distinct from said third flange, turned
out of said third longitudinal member at said first end of
said third longitudinal member and reinforcing said
first end of said third longitudinal member;

r. a fourth portion, distinct from said fourth flange, turned
out of said third longitudinal member at said second
end of said third longitudinal member and reinforcing
said second end of said third longitudinal member;
wherein:


23


i. said first portion comprises a first reinforcing
member with an outer edge along part of said
second side of said second longitudinal member
and an inner edge, said inner edge being disposed
at least partially opposite said outer edge
across said first reinforcing member, said inner
edge converging toward said outer edge and to
said first end juncture such that said inner edge
and said outer edge converge at an acute angle;

ii. said second portion comprises a second
reinforcing member with an outer edge along
part of said second side of said second
longitudinal member and an inner edge, said
inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said
outer edge across said first reinforcing member,
said inner edge converging toward said outer
edge and to said second end juncture such that
said inner edge and said outer edge converge at
an acute angle;

iii. said third portion comprises a third reinforcing
member with an outer edge along part of said
second side of said third longitudinal member and
an inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at
least partially opposite said outer edge across
said first reinforcing member, said inner edge

24


converging toward said outer edge and to said
third end juncture such that said inner edge and
said outer edge converge at an acute angle; and

iv. said fourth portion is a fourth reinforcing
member with an outer edge along part of said
second side of said third longitudinal member and
an inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at
least partially opposite said outer edge across
said first reinforcing member, said inner edge
converging toward said outer edge and to said
fourth end juncture such that said inner edge
and said outer edge converge at an acute angle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

a. said first flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting said
second longitudinal member at a first junction;

b. said inner edge of said first reinforcing member curves
to said first junction;

c. said second flange has an inner edge, an outer edge,
a top edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge
meeting said second longitudinal member at a
second junction;

d. said inner edge of said second reinforcing member curves to
meet said second junction;

e. said third flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top edge and



a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting said third
longitudinal member at a third junction;

f. said inner edge of said third reinforcing member curves to
meet said third junction;

g. said fourth flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top edge
and a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting said third
longitudinal member at a fourth junction; and

h. said inner edge of said fourth reinforcing member curves to
meet said fourth junction.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

a. said first flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top edge and
a bottom edge;

b. said inner edge of said first reinforcing member and said
bottom edge of said first flange form a continuous edge;
c. said second flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge;

d. said inner edge of said second reinforcing member and said
bottom edge of said second flange form a continuous edge;

e. said third flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top edge and
a bottom edge;

f. said inner edge of said third reinforcing member and said
bottom edge of said third flange form a continuous edge;

g. said fourth flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top edge
and a bottom edge; and

h. said inner edge of said fourth reinforcing member and said bottom

26



edge of said fourth flange form a continuous edge.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

a. said first portion further comprises at least one gusset
dart in said first end juncture;

b. said second portion further comprises at least one
gusset dart in said second end juncture;

c. said third portion further comprises at least one gusset
dart in said third end juncture; and

d. said fourth portion further comprises at least one gusset
dart in said fourth end juncture.


5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein:

a. said first flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting said
second longitudinal member at a first junction;

b. said inner edge of said first reinforcing member curves
to said first junction;

c. said second flange has an inner edge, an outer edge,
a top edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge
meeting said second longitudinal member at a
second junction;

d. said inner edge of said second reinforcing member
curves to meet said second junction;

e. said third flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting
said third longitudinal member at a third junction;

27



f. said inner edge of said third reinforcing member
curves to meet said third junction;

g. said fourth flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a
top edge and a bottom edge, said bottom edge meeting
said third longitudinal member at a fourth junction; and

h. said inner edge of said fourth reinforcing member curves to
meet said fourth junction.


6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein:

a. said first flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge;

b. said inner edge of said first reinforcing member and
said bottom edge of said first flange form a
continuous edge;

c. said second flange has an inner edge, an outer edge,
a top edge and a bottom edge;

d. said inner edge of said second reinforcing member and
said bottom edge of said second flange form a
continuous edge;

e. said third flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge;

f. said inner edge of said third reinforcing member and
said bottom edge of said third flange form a
continuous edge;

g. said fourth flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a
top edge and a bottom edge; and


28



h. said inner edge of said fourth reinforcing member and
said bottom edge of said fourth flange form a
continuous edge.


7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

a. said bottom edge of said first flange meets said second
longitudinal member at a first junction;

b. said inner edge of said first reinforcing member curves
to said first junction;

c. said bottom edge of said second flange meets
said second longitudinal member at a second
junction;

d. said inner edge of said second reinforcing member
curves to meet said second junction;

e. said bottom edge of said third flange meets said third
longitudinal member at a third junction;

f. said inner edge of said third reinforcing member
curves to meet said third junction;

g. said bottom edge of said fourth flange meets said third
longitudinal member at a fourth junction; and

h. said inner edge of said fourth reinforcing member
curves to meet said fourth junction.


8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein:

a. said first reinforcing member and said second
reinforcing member join to form a fourth longitudinal
member, said inner edge of said first reinforcing


29



member and said inner edge of said second
reinforcing member joining to form a continuous inner
edge of said fourth longitudinal member, and said
outer edge of said first reinforcing member and said
outer edge of said second reinforcing member joining
to form a continuous outer edge that joins said
second side of said second longitudinal member to
form a third longitudinal juncture; and

b. said third reinforcing member and said fourth
reinforcing member join to form a fifth longitudinal
member, said inner edge of said third reinforcing
member and said inner edge of said fourth
reinforcing member joining to form a continuous inner
edge of said fifth longitudinal member, and said
outer edge of said third reinforcing member and said
outer edge of said fourth reinforcing member joining
to form a continuous outer edge that joins said
second side of said third longitudinal member to form
a fourth longitudinal juncture.


9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising:

a. a first end attachment tab joined to said first top
attachment tab; and

b. a second end attachment tab joined to said second top
attachment tab.


10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:




a. a continuous reinforcing embossment in said first end
attachment tab, said first top attachment tab, said first
longitudinal member, said second top attachment tab and said

second end attachment tab.


11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising:

a. fastener openings in said first end attachment tab, said first
top attachment tab, said second top attachment tab and said
end attachment tab.


12 The apparatus of claim 11 in a connection further comprising:
a . fasteners;

b. a first structural member attached to said first end
attachment tab and said first top attachment tab with
said fasteners; and

c. a second structural member attached to said
second end attachment tab and said second top
attachment tab with said fasteners.


13. The apparatus of claim 12 in a connection wherein:

a. said first structural member is part of a first roof truss;
and

b. said second structural member is part of a second roof
truss.


14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

a. said first flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge;

b. said first portion is a first gusset that connects part of

31



said bottom edge of said first flange to part of said
second side of said second longitudinal member;

c. said second flange has an inner edge, an outer edge,
a top edge and a bottom edge;

d. said second portion is a second gusset that connects
part of said bottom edge of said second flange to part
of said second side of said second longitudinal
member;

e. said third flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a top
edge and a bottom edge;

f. said third portion is a third gusset that connects part of
said bottom edge of said third flange to part of said
second side of said third longitudinal member;

g. said fourth flange has an inner edge, an outer edge, a
top edge and a bottom edge; and

h. said fourth portion is a fourth gusset that connects
part of said bottom edge of said fourth flange to
part of said second side of said third longitudinal
member.


15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein:

a. said first portion and said second portion join to form a
fourth longitudinal member, said inner edge of said first
portion and said inner edge of said second portion joining to
form a continuous inner edge of said fourth longitudinal
member, and said outer edge of said first portion and said

32



outer edge of said second portion joining to form a
continuous outer edge that joins said second side of said
second longitudinal member to form a third longitudinal
juncture;

b. said third portion and said fourth portion join to form a fifth
longitudinal member, said inner edge of said third
portion and said inner edge of said fourth portion
joining to form a continuous inner edge of said fifth
longitudinal member, and said outer edge of said third
portion and said outer edge of said fourth portion
joining to form a continuous outer edge that joins said
second side of said third longitudinal member to form

a fourth longitudinal juncture.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

a. said first reinforcing member and said second
reinforcing member join to form a fourth longitudinal
member, said inner edge of said first reinforcing
member and said inner edge of said second
reinforcing member joining to form a continuous inner
edge of said fourth longitudinal member, and said
outer edge of said first reinforcing member and said
outer edge of said second reinforcing member joining
to form a continuous outer edge that joins said
second side of said second longitudinal member to
form a third longitudinal juncture; and


33



b. said third reinforcing member and said fourth
reinforcing member join to form a fifth longitudinal
member, said inner edge of said third reinforcing
member and said inner edge of said fourth
reinforcing member joining to form a continuous inner
edge of said fifth longitudinal member, and said
outer edge of said third reinforcing member and said
outer edge of said fourth reinforcing member joining
to form a continuous outer edge that joins said
second side of said third longitudinal member to form
a fourth longitudinal juncture.


34

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02364466 2001-11-30
õ....

1
TRUSS SPACER AND BRACE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for spacing
structural members during construction and providing permanent bracing
between the same structural members. This is particularly valuable when
spacing and bracing roof trusses that are pre assembled and lifted into place
on
top of the underlying structure. Specifically, the present invention can be
attached to the top chord of an installed roof truss, another roof truss can
then
be lifted into place, and the present invention can then be attached to the
second roof truss. Because the present invention is manufactured in
preselected
lengths, it eliminates the need for cutting and handling spacer blocking.

During the construction of a building, the walls are typically built or
installed first. Gables and roof truss are then attached to the tops of the
walls.
These gables and roof trusses support the roof sheathing and give the building
structural integrity.

Where snow loads are expected, the roof sheathing is typically plywood
or the like, which is nailed to the roof trusses to form the roofing surface
to
which shingles and hardware are attached. When such heavy loads are not
anticipated, lathing strips are sometimes used instead of sheathing. The
weight
of the roofing material and any expected loads require a supporting structure,
which is the primary function of the roof trusses.

In the past, workers have typically spaced and braced roof trusses during
construction by temporarily nailing 1 "x3" boards across adjacent trusses.
When
the sheathing is laid over and attached to the trusses, the temporary spacer
boards must be removed to allow the sheathing to be nailed to the trusses
flush
with the sheathing that has already been laid down. Removing these temporary


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

2
spacer boards is time consuming and they are usually damaged in the process so
that they cannot be reused.

A number of manufacturers have addressed some of the basic deficiencies
of this traditional construction technique that relies on wood spacer
blocking.
Truswall Systems manufactures a sheet metal product that provides lateral
bracing in predefined lengths that can be used for both temporary construction
and permanent structural bracing, eliminating the need to remove temporary
braces. Mitek Industries makes a similar product that uses teeth rather than
fasteners to connect to the top and side faces of roof trusses.

The present invention improves on the existing prior art by providing, in a
preferred embodiment, improved resistance to compression loads and,
secondarily, a more secure connection to the structural members that it spaces
and braces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural
members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently
bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three
longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to
the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that
are
fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the
apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and
third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that
is
standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24". This allows
the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form
permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

3
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is formed with end tabs that
provide for attachment to the sides of the structural members opposite the
sides
to which the flanges are fastened. This is a more secure attachment than is
provided by the prior art.

In a preferred embodiment, the junctures of the flanges are provided with
gusset darts that reinforce the junctures. When the connected structural
members are made of wood , the flanges eventually bend back under
compression loads and the junctures are driven into the sides of the
structural
members. The gusset darts and the portions of the junctures in between the
gusset darts, which bite into the structural members like teeth, prevent
movement along the junctures and the connection is changed from one with two
pin joints to a columnar connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of
the
apparatus and the structural members. This allows greater compression loads to
be resisted.

In the most preferred embodiment, in addition to the features described
above, the three longitudinal members of the present invention form a channel
shape that is further reinforced by a longitudinal embossment. Furthermore,
the
ends of the two longitudinal members that form the sides of the channel are
reinforced by portions that are turned to form fourth and fifth longitudinal
members. In the most preferred form of the present invention, the junctures
between these fourth and fifth longitudinal members curve up to meet the
corner
at which the lower edges of the flanges meet the side longitudinal members.
Furthermore, the inner edges of the fourth and fifth longitudinal members run
smoothly into the lower edge of the adjacent flanges.

In the most preferred embodiment, the top tabs and end tabs are provided
with fastener openings that enable easier and more=precise attachment to the
connected structural members.


CA 02364466 2006-07-05
4

In an alternate preferred embodiment, the fourth and fifth longitudinal
members
may be turned out away from the channel shape and join the lower edges of the
flanges at
either end of the apparatus.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention resides in an apparatus
comprising:
a. a first longitudinal member having a first end, a second end, a first side
and a
second side;
b. a first top attachment tab joined to said first end and a second top
attachment tab
joined to said second end;
c. a first longitudinal juncture along said first side of said first
longitudinal member;
d. a second longitudinal member, having a first end, a second end, a first
side and a
second side, joined to said first longitudinal member at said first
longitudinal
juncture;
e. a second longitudinal juncture along said second side of said first
longitudinal
member;
f. a third longitudinal member, having a first end, a second end, a first side
and a
second side, joined to said first longitudinal member at said second
longitudinal
juncture;
g. a first end juncture along said first end of said second longitudinal
member;
h. a first flange joined to said second longitudinal member at said first end
juncture;
i. a second end juncture along said second end of said second longitudinal
member;
j. a second flange joined to said second longitudinal member at said second
end
juncture;
k. a third end juncture along said first end of said third longitudinal
member;
1. a third flange joined to said third longitudinal member at said third end
juncture;
M. a fourth end juncture along said second end of said third longitudinal
member;
n. a fourth flange joined to said third longitudinal member at said fourth end
juncture;


CA 02364466 2006-07-05

4a
o. a first portion, distinct from said first flange, turned out of said second
longitudinal member at said first end of said second longitudinal member and
reinforcing said first end of said second longitudinal member;
p. a second portion, distinct from said second flange, turned out of said
second
longitudinal member at said second end of said second longitudinal member and
reinforcing said second end of said second longitudinal meinber;
q. a third portion, distinct from said third flange, turned out of said third
longitudinal
member at said first end of said third longitudinal member and reinforcing
said
first end of said third longitudinal member;
r. a fourth portion, distinct from said fourth flange, turned out of said
third
longitudinal member at said second end of said third longitudinal member and
reinforcing said second end of said third longitudinal member; wherein:
i. said first portion comprises a first reinforcing meinber with an outer edge
along part of said second side of said second longitudinal member and an
inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said
outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge
converging toward said outer edge and to said first end juncture such that
said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle;
ii. said second portion comprises a second reinforcing member with an outer
edge along part of said second side of said second longitudinal member
and an inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially
opposite said outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner
edge converging toward said outer edge and to said second end juncture
such that said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle;


CA 02364466 2008-10-07

4b
iii. said third portion comprises a third reinforcing member with an outer
edge
along part of said second side of said third longitudinal member and an
inner edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said
outer edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge
converging toward said outer edge and to said third end juncture such that
said inner edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle; and
iv. said fourth portion is a fourth reinforcing member with an outer edge
along
part of said second side of said third longitudinal member and an inner
edge, said inner edge being disposed at least partially opposite said outer
edge across said first reinforcing member, said inner edge converging
toward said outer edge and to said fourth end juncture such that said inner
edge and said outer edge converge at an acute angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the
present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing two roof trusses connected by apparati of
the
present invention.

FIG.3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the
present
invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of the
present invention.


CA 02364466 2006-07-05
4c

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of
the present
invention.

FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of an alternate preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of
the present invention.


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus
of
the present invention.
b
FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges beginning to fold
back.

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the
junctures with the second and third longitudinal members beginning to embed in
the wood of the connected structural members.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view showing one end of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention connected to a structural member,
further
showing a compression load being applied and the flanges folded back and the
junctures with the second and third longitudinal members embedded in the wood
of the connected structural members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As best shown in FIG. 1 the present invention is preferably an apparatus 1
that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having a first end 3, a second
end
4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top attachment tab 7 joined to
the
first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8 joined to the second end 4, a
first
longitudinal juncture 9 along the first side 5 of the first longitudinal
member 2, a
second longitudinal member 10, having a first end 11, a second end 12, a first


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

6
side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
first longitudinal juncture 9, a second longitudinal juncture 15 along the
second
side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a third longitudinal member 16,
having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first side 19 and a second side 20,
joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the second longitudinal juncture
15.
This embodiment further comprises a first end juncture 21 along the first end
11
of the second longitudinal member 10, a first flange 22 joined to the second
longitudinal 10 member at the first end juncture 21, a second end juncture 23
along the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a second flange
24 joined to the second longitudinal member 10 at the second end juncture 23,
a third end juncture 25 along the first end 17 of the third longitudinal
member
16, a third flange 26 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the third
end
juncture 25, a fourth end juncture 27 along the second end 18 of the third
longitudinal member 16, and a fourth flange 28 joined to the third
longitudinal
member 16 at the fourth end juncture 27. This embodiment further comprises a
first portion 29 turned out of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first
end
11 of the second longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of
the
second longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16.

The apparatus 1 of the present invention is preferably formed from sheet
metal that may be cut, stamped, punched, embossed and bent, but it may be
formed from cast metal or any other material that may be molded or otherwise
formed to embody the apparatus 1 of the present invention.


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

7
As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first portion 29 preferably is a first
reinforcing member 33 with an outer edge 34 along part of the second side 14
of the second longitudinal member 10 and an inner edge 35 that terminates at
the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, the second portion 30
is
a second reinforcing member 36 with an outer edge 37 along part of the second
side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an inner edge 38 that
terminates at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, the
third
portion 31 is a third reinforcing member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part
of
the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41
that terminates at the first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, the
fourth portion 32 is a fourth reinforcing member 42 with an outer edge 43
along
part of the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 and an inner
edge
44 that terminates at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the first portion 29 preferably further comprises
one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end juncture 21, the second portion
30
further comprises one or more gusset darts 78 in the second end juncture 23,
the third portion 31 further comprises one or more gusset darts 79 in the
third
end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 further comprises one or more
gusset
darts 80 in the fourth end juncture 27.

As best shown in FIG. 5A, the first flange 22 preferably has an inner edge
53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the inner edge 35
of the first reinforcing member 33 and the bottom edge 56 of the first flange
22
form a continuous edge 73, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer
edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the inner edge 58 of the second
reinforcing member 36 and the bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 form a
continuous edge 74, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge
64,
a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the inner edge 63 of the third reinforcing
member 39 and the bottom edge 66 of the third flange 26 form a continuous
edge 75, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer edge 69, a top


CA 02364466 2001-11-30
r*~~

8
edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, and the inner edge 68 of the fourth reinforcing
member 42 and the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 form a continuous
edge 76.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the bottom edge 56 of the first flange 22
preferably meets the second longitudinal member 10 at a first junction 57, the
inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves to the first junction
57,
the bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 meets the second longitudinal
member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of the second reinforcing
member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the bottom edge 66 of the
third flange 26 meets the third longitudinal member 16 at a third junction 67,
the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39 curves to meet the third
junction 67, the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 meets the third
longitudinal 16 member at a fourth junction 72, and the inner edge 44 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction 72.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the first reinforcing member 33 and the second
reinforcing member 36 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member 45,
the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the inner edge 38 of
the second reinforcing member 36 joining to form a continuous inner edge 46 of
the fourth longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the first
reinforcing
member 33 and the outer edge 37 of the second reinforcing member 36 joining
to form a continuous outer edge 47 that joins the second side 14 of the second
longitudinal member 10 to form a third longitudinal juncture 48 and the third
reinforcing member 39 and the fourth reinforcing member 42 join to form a
fifth
longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39
and the inner edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to form a
continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member, and the outer edge
40 of the third reinforcing member 39 and the outer edge 43 of the fourth
reinforcing member 42 joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that joins
the


CA 02364466 2001-11-30
~.,

9
second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth
longitudinal
juncture 52.

As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention preferably further comprises a first end attachment tab 81
joined to the first top attachment tab 7, and a second end attachment tab 82
joined to the second top attachment tab 8.

As best shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention preferably further comprises a continuous reinforcing
embossment 83 in the first end attachment tab 81, the first top attachment tab
7, the first longitudinal member 2, the second top attachment tab 8 and the
second end attachment tab 82.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 of the present invention
preferably further comprises fastener openings 84 in the first end attachment
tab
81, the first top attachment tab 7, the second top attachment tab 8 and the
end
attachment tab 82.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 of the present invention
preferably is in a connection 85 that further comprises fasteners 94, a first
structural member 86 attached to the first end attachment tab 81 and the first
top attachment tab 7 with the fasteners 94, and a second structural member 87
attached to the second end attachment tab 82 and the second top attachment
tab 8 with the fasteners 94. The fasteners are preferably nails, but may also
be
brads, screws, bolts or integral teeth. Alternatively, the apparatus 1 of the
present invention may be attached to the first structural member 86 and the
second structural member 87 with tack welds or adhesives.


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

As shown in FIG. 2, the first structural member 86 is preferably part of a
first roof truss 88, and the second structural member 87 is part of a second
roof
truss 89.

As shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when the connected
structural members are made of wood, the flanges 22, 24, 26 and 28 eventually
bend back under compression loads and the junctures 21, 23, 25 and 27 are
driven into the sides of the structural members 86 and 87. The gusset darts
90,
91, 92 and 93 prevent movement along the junctures 21, 23, 25 and 27 and
the connection is changed from one with two pin joints to a columnar
connection that resists rotation at the interfaces of the apparatus 1 and the
structural members 86 and 87. This allows greater compression loads to be
resisted.

In a first alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

11
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first reinforcing member 33 and
the
second reinforcing member 36 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal
member 45, the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the inner
edge 38 of the second reinforcing member 36 joining to form a continuous inner


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

12
edge 46 of the fourth longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the
first
reinforcing member 33 and the outer edge 37 of the second reinforcing member
36 joining to form a continuous outer edge 47 that joins the second side 14 of
the second longitudinal member 10 to form a third longitudinal juncture 48,
and
the third reinforcing member 39 and the fourth reinforcing member 42 join to
form a fifth longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third
reinforcing
member 39 and the inner edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to
form a continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member 49, and the
outer edge 40 of the third reinforcing member 39 and the outer edge 43 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that
joins the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth
longitudinal juncture 52.

In a second alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end _1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the

first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the


CA 02364466 2001-11-30
do--

13
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first flange 22 preferably has an
inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the
bottom edge 56 meeting the second longitudinal member 10 at a first junction
57; the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves to the first
junction 57, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer edge 59, a
top


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

14
edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the bottom edge 61 meeting the second
longitudinal member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of the
second reinforcing member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the third
flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom
edge 66, the bottom edge 66 meeting the third longitudinal member 16 at a
third junction 67, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39 curves
to
meet the third junction 67, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an
outer
edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, the bottom edge 71 meeting the
third longitudinal member 16 at a fourth junction 72, and the inner edge 44 of
the fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction 72.

In a third alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 11, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the

first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
10 and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first flange 22 preferably has an
inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the inner
edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 and the bottom edge 56 of the first
flange 22 form a continuous edge 73, the second flange 24 has an inner edge
58, an outer edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the inner edge 58
of the second reinforcing member 36 and the bottom edge 61 of the second
flange 24 form a continuous edge 74, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63,


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

16
an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the inner edge 63 of
the third reinforcing member 39 and the bottom edge 66 of the third flange 26
form a continuous edge 75, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer
edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, and the inner edge 68 of the
fourth reinforcing member 42 and the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28
form a continuous edge 76.

In a fourth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second

i
CA 02364466 2001-11-30

17
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is a first reinforcing member 33 with an outer
edge 34
along part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 and an
inner edge 35 that terminates at the first end 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10, the second portion 30 is a second reinforcing member 36 with an
outer edge 37 along part of the second side 11 of the second longitudinal
member 10 and an inner edge 38 that terminates at the second end 12 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third portion 31 is a third reinforcing
member 39 with an outer edge 40 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 41 that terminates at the first end
17
of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth portion 32 is a fourth
reinforcing
member 42 with an outer edge 43 along part of the second side 20 of the third
longitudinal member 16 and an inner edge 44 that terminates at the second end
18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The first portion 29 preferably
further
comprises one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end juncture 21, the second
portion 30 further comprises one or more gusset darts 78 in the second end
juncture 23, the third portion 31 further comprises one or more gusset darts
79
in the third end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 further comprises one
or
more gusset darts 80 in the fourth end juncture 27. The first flange 22
preferably has an inner edge 53, an outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom
edge 56, the bottom edge 56 meeting the second longitudinal member 10 at a
first junction 57; the inner edge 35 of the first reinforcing member 33 curves
to
the first junction 57, the second flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer
edge
59, a top edge 60 and a bottom edge 61, the bottom edge 61 meeting the


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

18
second longitudinal member 10 at a second junction 62, the inner edge 38 of
the second reinforcing member 36 curves to meet the second junction 62, the
third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a
bottom edge 66, the bottom edge 66 meeting the third longitudinal member 16
at a third junction 67, the inner edge 41 of the third reinforcing member 39
curves to meet the third junction 67, the fourth flange 28 has an inner edge
68,
an outer edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom edge 71, the bottom edge 71
meeting the third longitudinal member 16 at a fourth junction 72, and the
inner
edge 44 of the fourth reinforcing member 42 curves to meet the fourth junction
72.

In a fifth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

19
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. The
first portion 29 preferably is one or more gusset darts 77 in the first end
juncture 21, the second portion 30 is one or more gusset darts 78 in the
second
end juncture 23, the third portion 31 is one or more gusset darts 79 in the
third
end juncture 25, and the fourth portion 32 is one or more gusset darts 80 in
the
fourth end juncture 27.

In a sixth alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention is
preferably an apparatus 1 that comprises a first longitudinal member 2 having
a
first end 3, a second end 4, a first side 5 and a second side 6, a first top
attachment tab 7 joined to the first end 3 and a second top attachment tab 8
joined to the second end 4, a first longitudinal juncture 9 along the first
side 5 of
the first longitudinal member 2, a second longitudinal member 10, having a
first
end 1 1, a second end 12, a first side 13 and a second side 14, joined to the
first
longitudinal member 2 at the first longitudinal juncture 9, a second
longitudinal
juncture 15 along the second side 6 of the first longitudinal member 2, and a
third longitudinal member 16, having a first end 17, a second end 18, a first
side
19 and a second side 20, joined to the first longitudinal member 2 at the
second
longitudinal juncture 15. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first
end juncture 21 along the first end 11 of the second longitudinal member 10, a


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

first flange 22 joined to the second longitudinal 10 member at the first end
juncture 21, a second end juncture 23 along the second end 12 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second flange 24 joined to the second longitudinal
member 10 at the second end juncture 23, a third end juncture 25 along the
first end 17 of the third longitudinal member 16, a third flange 26 joined to
the
third longitudinal member 16 at the third end juncture 25, a fourth end
juncture
27 along the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth
flange 28 joined to the third longitudinal member 16 at the fourth end
juncture
27. This embodiment preferably further comprises a first portion 29 turned out
of the second longitudinal member 10 at the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10 and reinforcing the first end 11 of the second
longitudinal member 10, a second portion 30 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member
10 and reinforcing the second end 12 of the second longitudinal member 10, a
third portion 31 turned out of the third longitudinal member 16 at the first
end
17 of the third longitudinal member 16 and reinforcing the first end 17 of the
third longitudinal member 16, and a fourth portion 32 turned out of the second
longitudinal member 10 at the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member
16 and reinforcing the second end 18 of the third longitudinal member 16. As
best shown in FIG. 5B, the first flange 22 preferably has an inner edge 53, an
outer edge 54, a top edge 55 and a bottom edge 56, the first portion 29 is a
first gusset 90 that connects part of the bottom edge 56 of the first flange
22
to part of the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10, the second
flange 24 has an inner edge 58, an outer edge 59, a top edge 60 and a bottom
edge 61, the second portion 30 is a second gusset 91 that connects part of the
bottom edge 61 of the second flange 24 to part of the second side 14 of the
second longitudinal member 10, the third flange 26 has an inner edge 63, an
outer edge 64, a top edge 65 and a bottom edge 66, the third portion 31 is a
third gusset 92 that connects part of the bottom edge 66 of the third flange
26
to part of the second side 20 of the third longitudinal member 16, the fourth
flange 28 has an inner edge 68, an outer edge 69, a top edge 70 and a bottom


CA 02364466 2001-11-30

21
edge 71, and the fourth portion 32 is a fourth gusset 93 that connects part of
the bottom edge 71 of the fourth flange 28 to part of the second side 20 of
the
third longitudinal member 16. As best shown in FIG. 5C, the first portion 29
and the second portion 30 preferably join to form a fourth longitudinal member
45, the inner edge 35 of the first portion 29 and the inner edge 38 of the
second portion 30 joining to form a continuous inner edge 46 of the fourth
longitudinal member 45, and the outer edge 34 of the first portion 29 and the
outer edge 37 of the second portion 30 joining to form a continuous outer edge
47 that joins the second side 14 of the second longitudinal member 10 to form
a
third longitudinal juncture 48, and the third portion 31 and the fourth
portion 32
join to form a fifth longitudinal member 49, the inner edge 41 of the third

portion 31 and the inner edge 44 of the fourth portion 32 joining to form a
continuous inner edge 50 of the fifth longitudinal member 49, and the outer
edge 40 of the third portion 31 and the outer edge 43 of the fourth portion 32
joining to form a continuous outer edge 51 that joins the second side 20 of
the
third longitudinal member 16 to form a fourth longitudinal juncture 52.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2009-10-20
(22) Filed 2001-11-30
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2002-06-03
Examination Requested 2006-06-02
(45) Issued 2009-10-20
Deemed Expired 2011-11-30

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2001-11-30
Application Fee $300.00 2001-11-30
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2002-01-08
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2003-12-01 $100.00 2003-08-13
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2004-11-30 $100.00 2004-08-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2005-11-30 $100.00 2005-08-10
Request for Examination $800.00 2006-06-02
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2006-11-30 $200.00 2006-10-03
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2007-11-30 $200.00 2007-08-14
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2008-12-01 $200.00 2008-10-14
Final Fee $300.00 2009-07-30
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2009-11-30 $200.00 2009-11-24
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE CO., INC.
Past Owners on Record
CRAWFORD, MARK G.
LIN, JIN-JIE
SHAMROUKH, LOUAY A.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Representative Drawing 2009-09-22 1 11
Cover Page 2002-05-27 1 42
Cover Page 2009-09-22 1 44
Representative Drawing 2002-02-20 1 10
Description 2001-11-30 21 1,025
Abstract 2001-11-30 1 21
Claims 2001-11-30 10 337
Drawings 2001-11-30 8 157
Description 2006-07-05 24 1,117
Claims 2006-07-05 20 661
Description 2008-10-07 24 1,118
Claims 2008-10-07 13 316
Drawings 2008-10-07 8 156
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-10-06 19 481
Fees 2004-08-23 1 36
Correspondence 2002-01-10 1 24
Correspondence 2002-01-08 1 47
Assignment 2001-11-30 3 116
Assignment 2002-01-08 10 505
Correspondence 2002-02-23 1 13
Fees 2003-08-13 1 34
Prosecution-Amendment 2003-08-27 4 98
Fees 2005-08-10 1 33
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-06-02 1 33
Prosecution-Amendment 2006-07-05 16 487
Fees 2006-10-03 1 43
Fees 2007-08-14 1 50
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-09-10 4 85
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-04-08 3 98
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-10-07 19 480
Fees 2008-10-14 1 51
Correspondence 2009-07-30 1 51
Fees 2009-11-24 1 50